Gabriel's Obsession

The Unraveling Storm

Amelia's POV

I awoke to the faint stir of movement, my lashes fluttering open as my gaze instinctively drifted to the empty space beside me. A flicker of panic tightened my chest—where was he? The warmth of his presence still lingered on the sheets, yet the bed felt impossibly vast without him.

Tossing aside the blanket, I sat up, my body instinctively tensing at the realization that I was clad only in my nightdress. The memory of last night sent a warmth through me, but it was swiftly overshadowed by the quiet unease of waking alone. My breath steadied the moment my eyes found him.

Gabriel stood by the closet, dressed in a crisp navy-blue suit, his strong hands methodically working a tie around his collar. His expression was unreadable, his focus entirely absorbed in the simple act of getting ready.

"Where are you going?" My voice was soft, still laced with sleep, yet the unspoken weight of my question hung between us.

At the sound of my voice, he stilled. A slow, knowing smile ghosted across his lips as he turned to face me. "Ah, my angel, you're awake," he murmured, his gaze lingering on me as if savoring the sight.

"I have an urgent meeting today," he continued, resuming his task. "Something I can't afford to postpone." His voice was steady, unwavering, but it did little to dull the quiet pang of disappointment curling inside me.

He stepped closer, his fingers tracing featherlight strokes along my cheek, as if committing the contours of my face to memory. "I'm truly sorry, my love," he murmured, his voice laced with genuine regret. "I had hoped to spend the entire day with you, but this situation demands my immediate attention. I'll do everything I can to return early." His gaze held mine, an unspoken plea for understanding reflected in his ocean-blue eyes.

I understood the weight of his responsibilities, the world he balanced between his palms. And yet, I couldn't deny the quiet ache of disappointment settling in my chest. We had just begun this new chapter as husband and wife, and I had longed for a day spent wrapped in the warmth of our shared bliss.

"Alright," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, a reluctant nod accompanying my words.

"Good girl," he praised, his lips brushing against my forehead in a lingering kiss. The simple gesture sent warmth spiraling through me, a delicate flutter awakening in the pit of my stomach, as if a thousand butterflies had taken flight all at once.

"Don't fret, baby," he reassured, his tone laced with playful affection. "You won't be alone. Angelica's home—she'll keep you company until I return. And when I do," his lips curled into a smirk, "I'll have you all to myself."

A soft giggle escaped me, momentarily easing my disappointment. But the lingering concern in my heart remained.

"But, Gabriel, what about your mother?" I hesitated, wary of the tensions that still simmered beneath the surface.

His expression hardened slightly, though his voice remained steady. "Don't worry about that," he said firmly. "I'll handle everything."

I nodded, his confidence enough to momentarily quiet my worries. I had chosen to trust him, to believe in the promises he whispered against my skin. And for now, that would have to be enough.

As he turned to leave, an unspoken longing stirred within me, compelling me to reach for his hand. My fingers curled around his wrist, halting him mid-step. Before he could question my actions, I closed the distance between us, pressing myself into his warmth, my face nestled against the steady rise and fall of his chest.

"I'll miss you," I whispered, my voice barely carrying beyond the space between us.

His arms encircled me without hesitation, his hold firm yet gentle. A deep exhale rumbled through him, as if savoring this fleeting moment before duty tore him away. "I'll miss you too, angel," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of my head.